Schwinn Elliptical Trainer

"I didn't see many reviews on the 430, much less details regarding the differences between this stripper model and its big brother brethren. So here goes my first real Amazon review:

Why I chose the Schwinn 430
-Price (esp on Amazon w/ mat and shipping)
-Space saving
-ECB resistance
-Forward + Backward
-25 lb flywheel (per manual)
-18" stride

Why I'm happy after buying
-Feels solidly built, like it will last
-Relatively quiet
-Forward + Backward motion
-Bargain price, esp w/ Amazon mat + shipping
-I get a good workout

Why I'm not happy
-Manual subpar. Amazon acknowledges with email M8x25 error, but there are other (unrecognized by Amazon) mistakes.
-Fit is only 99% perfect. Some holes don't line up perfectly, but what can you expect at this price point?
-"Heel rising" during motion despite "articulating foot plate" was a little more than I expected, but not much more than other ellipticals
-I'm only 5'9", but I prefer a 20" stride (found on Sole Ellipticals), probly because I'm use to the gym but 18" is definitely ok
-Display is hard to read. Backlighting (on 418,438) would help.
-The "easiest" setting is a little hard for my wife, probly due to heavy flywheel
-My wife has tripped over the small power cord, so I can understand why battery power on the 418 is a nice option.


Differences between 430, 418, and 438

430
LCD display
AC Power
Grip HR Monitor
Preprogrammed Workouts 8
Max User Weight 275 lbs.
Warranty: Labor - 90 days


418
adds backlit LCD
adds Battery Power Option to AC
same Grip HR Monitor as 430
increases Preprogrammed Workouts 12
same Max User Weight as 430
increases Warranty: Labor - 6 Months; Wear Items - 6 Months


438
adds fan, multi grip handlebar to backlit LCD
deletes Battery Power Option of 418, only AC
adds Chest Strap HR Monitor to Grip Monitor
increases total Preprogrammed Workouts 21, 4 user settings
increases Max User Weight - 300 lbs.
same warranty as 418

Due to the price, I would buy the Schwinn 430 again in a heartbeat. Same award winning mechanics as the 418, 438 but a much cheaper price point. However, if you work out a lot at night and want a backlight, or don't want a power cord across the room, I would seriously consider spending the extra $200 for the 418 despite the problematic Amazon reviews.

UPDATE: Like others, I too had developed a small "squeaking noise" problem. However, my squeaking was located where the moving handlebars pivot, close to the flywheel. A quick call to Schwinn (hold time < 1 min) told me that I probably tightened the handlebars too much. I was told to back off by a quarter turn until the squeaking disappeared. Three quarter turns later, my squeaking is gone! Apparently my obsessive compulsiveness in tightening everything down was too aggressive. One month later, and I still love my Schwinn 430, and I was very happy with the customer service too."

"In the two weeks I have used the Schwinn 418 Elliptical Trainer I have been quite happy with its performance. Its magnetic friction keeps the machine quiet so others in the house don't complain about the noise. The motion is silk smooth and still provides a good workout.

Why not 5 stars? First, the one of the footpads came broken and I have had to order a new one (machine is still usable of course). And second, the instructions are unclear about using the control panel. I have been learning how to use it through trial and error."

"I just bought one of these from a local 'Play It Again Sports' location and I must say I'm impressed with the sturdy manufacturing. (I'd recommend you ask your local store for a price. I saved $100 over Amazon's price!) It has a very smooth ride and feels very sturdy even when I ride it at a quick rate. I'm 215 lbs and I have it set up on Berber carpet and it still feels very sturdy!

The assembly took me about 2 hours and it wasn't very difficult. Schwinn (er, Nautilus) did a good job of packing all of the nuts and washers in a very organized way where there is no doubt what is what. The instructions were very easy to follow and didn't require any tools other than the ones included in the box.

I'm very happy with this unit. It has a wonderful selection of 20 different programs built in and has 16 levels of resistance as well. The heart rate monitor is well placed and seems to work well for me. The lack of a chest strap compatibility feature wasn't a big deal for me since I don't use a chest strap and have never liked them, but be aware of this short-coming if that option matters to you.

Overall, I think this is a good deal and a solid machine. Now I just need to start getting up and using it every morning!"

"My husband and I bought this elliptical about 6 months ago. I have used it more often than him and absolutely love it. It is very quiet and has held up over the past few months. The price has also dropped since we bought it-another plus. The only caution that I have is the height issue. My husband is 6 feet 1 inch, and we have our elliptical in the basement. We measured prior to ordering only the width and length, but not the height. When he gets on the elliptical he hits his head on the 7 foot ceiling if he doesn't bend his head over. This keeps him from being able to watch tv as he works out. Not a huge deal, but a warning to those of you who are taller and have short ceilings! Overall, it was a great buy, even at the higher price we paid. You will not be disappointed."